Wed May 07 23:23:32 UTC 2025: **Nationwide Mock Drills Held in India Following Terror Attack**
MUMBAI, INDIA – Following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, India conducted nationwide civil defense mock drills, codenamed “Operation Abhyas,” on May 7, 2025. The drills, ordered by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, took place across the country, including major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik, as well as smaller towns in Maharashtra and other states.
In Mumbai, the drills involved the Mumbai Police, Civil Defence, BMC, Fire Department, NDRF, Home Guard, NCC, NSS, and paramedics, practicing responses to various scenarios, including fire safety, air strikes, and casualty rescue. The drills, which included a blackout drill, culminated at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), showcasing procedures for assisting the injured and extinguishing fires. Similar drills were carried out at various locations across the state, including the CSMT railway station, where police dogs were deployed.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to continue the drills for five more days. The aim of the exercises, according to Director General of Civil Defence Prabhat Kumar, is to improve emergency response systems and reduce panic among citizens during crises. Mr. Kumar also highlighted a recent agreement with Mumbai University to integrate civil defense training into the university curriculum. The mock drills underscored the importance of preparedness and citizen engagement in mitigating the impact of potential future attacks.
First Piper 